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To: smokingfrog

So, IIRC, one of the reasons given to demote Pluto was that it had been unable to clear its orbit of smaller bodies (not a moon, of course)?


5 posted on 06/16/2016 10:57:16 AM PDT by Rurudyne (Standup Philosopher)
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To: Rurudyne

A planet drawing smaller bodies into orbit around itself IS a way of clearing its orbit of smaller bodies. If the body is now orbiting the planet, then it is no longer in the same orbit as the planet, which is orbiting the sun.


32 posted on 06/16/2016 11:55:50 AM PDT by Boogieman
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To: Rurudyne

The real reason they demoted Pluto is that they had for decades denied that there was a tenth planet. Then they found one, that they should’ve found decades earlier. So they redefined planet so they wouldn’t have to ‘fess up to their mistakes.

Eris is almost the same size as Pluto; its radius is only 2% smaller, and its mass may even be greater. Eris in January, 2005, but not announced until July, 2005, after a Spanish team announced the discovery of Haumea eight months after it was discovered by Americans.


35 posted on 06/16/2016 12:07:21 PM PDT by dangus
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